3D Printed Dartboard Set With Dart Gun

Rather than buying a dartboard, I decided to make my own with a 3D printer!

I followed the dimensions of real dartboards and darts, and to make sure the darts stick, I used the grid pattern that many electronic dartboards use. In addition to this, I designed a simple and fun elastic gun for the darts, providing a new and perhaps more accurate way of using the dartboard set.

I have linked the STL files to each 3D printed part in their respective sections.

Supplies

3D Printer

PLA Filament (≈160m)

Rubber Bands

Step 1: Designing the Dartboard Using CAD (Fusion360)

I designed the dartboard in Fusion360, following the dimensions of real dartboards.

Step 2: Printing the Dartboard

As the dartboard is so big (400mm diameter), I had to print it in 4 parts, which were glued together at the end.

Rather than creating the grid pattern on Fusion360, I used the infill in my slicing software (Cura) to create it, and then had no top layers covering it up. I set the infill % so that the gaps between infill lines are just enough for regular sized plastic darts (2.5mm width) to enter. The ideal infill was tested using small test prints.

To successfully print the dartboard, the following settings should be applied:

Infill: 25% (3.2mm infill line distance) - grid pattern

Layer Height: 0.2mm

Initial Layer Height: 0.4mm

Top Layers: 0

Bottom Layers: 4

Step 3: Gluing the Dartboard

I used normal super glue to glue the four pieces together, holding them tightly in place for about 30 seconds for the glue to dry.

Step 4: Designing the Darts Using CAD

I also designed the darts on Fusion360, roughly following the dimensions of real plastic darts

Step 5: Printing the Darts

To ensure the dart is as strong as possible, I printed it using 100% infill. It can easily be printed vertically in one go, but should use a brim to keep it stable.

Step 6: Testing and Using the Dartboard

As you can see above, the dartboard works exactly as planned!

While I printed the dart using PLA, it may be more effective to use a more flexible filament such as TPU, as this would ensure the dart does not break after a bad throw.

Step 7: Designing the Dart Gun Using CAD

I designed the dart gun to fit on the index finger of either hand, with the other hand pulling back the dart. The elastic band will be looped around the two small poles.

The centre "runway" has about 1mm of tolerance for the dart, ensuring a smooth but precise take off.

Step 8: Printing the Dart Gun

The dart gun is designed to be printed in two parts, which will then be glued together. I used normal print settings for this with 16% infill.

Step 9: Gluing the Dart Gun

I used normal super glue to glue the two pieces together, holding them tightly in place for about 30 seconds for the glue to dry.

Step 10: Using the Dart Gun

To use the gun, simply pull back the dart with the rubber band and let go!

Step 11: Finished Dartboard Set

Here is the completed set!

Thank you for reading this instructable. I really enjoyed designing this dartboard set and have had plenty of fun playing around with it after completion.